chezron

Beautiful parrot! Congratulations! Please take her outside when weather allows for some sunshine--it is so important for their health! Just 15 minutes is all that is necessary.

Just know that first thing in the morning they are going to poop, as they haven't gone all night long. Don't take it personally, and don't react at all. It is just a matter of learning YOUR bird's schedule. My guy poops big, without fail, in the morning, as soon as he is out of his cage. I know this and position him appropriately. If he sits with me for any length of time he has never pooped on me. He seems to know that it is not a good thing to do. I am glad.

I really enjoyed the video Jeff! Thanks for putting it together. I am glad you found each other.

Try Craig's list for a good deal on a cage. They both need their own BIG cage. They will certainly be happier with the additional space. I know you want what is best for your birds.

Try to put more variety in her diet. She definitely needs more oil. Have you tried adding a little organic red palm oil to her wet food? Palm oil nuts are the majority of wild African Greys' diet in Africa. Maybe some organic chia, hemp or flax seed? She also needs some protein, at least once a week, like a cooked chicken drumstick BONE for the nutrients and calcium. My guys LOVE this! A nice mix of vegetables, some cut up fruit, and a mix of beans and grains are all the base of my guy's diet. Occasionally, they get a piece of a sardine, a bite of salmon, or a bite of scrambled egg. I am not sure where you live but regular trips outside (in a cage) stopped my grey's initial plucking. It helps their mood, metabolism, and nutrient uptake. Try it! Just 15 minutes most days and you will see a more mellow bird.

When I eat within sight of the birds I expect to share my meal. This expectation sometimes causes me to select a different meal that pleases the majority of the birds, rather than me. It has also fine-tuned my shopping so I can accommodate their desires rather than mine. It makes me happy that they enjoy mealtime with their Mama.

Congratulations! Can't wait to hear more about your new family member.

I am starting to think my bird is a different species. He doesn't do MOST of the stuff you guys are talking about. He doesn't hang with his head inside his legs, he doesn't care about the remote, he doesn't care about my teeth (although he likes to kiss me), and he doesn't mind when I talk on the phone. If I am nearby, he either perches on his food bowl and eats slowly and contentedly, or grinds his beak, or talks. He just seems so happy and content if I am in his vicinity. The only time he taps is when I am outside and he wants to get my attention by hanging onto the window moulding and tapping on the glass. He doesn't even regurgitate anymore as I have walked away enough times that he stopped doing it. He KNOWS I love him without that.

I wish we could rescue the amazon from that person!

So funny Murfchick! When you figure it out let me know, as Brutus has shredded every window frame in the house. I guess it is just a matter of time before he starts on the baseboards. He also has managed to chew holes in the screens of several windows too, so look for that. I had to change a number of light fixtures to bird-proof designs made of metal and glass, since he destroyed the less structurally sound versions. I have covered all furniture with quilts and pillows to keep him from destroying those frames too. He has, however, removed many nailheads from the sofa, and one day I will replace that sofa with a less-appealing version. Redecorating is his thing!

Keep the updates coming! Love to hear the progress. My guy, Brutus, eats bananas almost every day. Not a lot but some.

All of my birds fly. None are clipped. My African Grey, especially, loves to fly and is so proud of himself for achieving difficult maneuvers. I cannot stress enough how important it is to allow your grey to master flying as it allows him to develop a deep self confidence that carries into the rest of his life. Birds that don't develop flying skills can be neurotic and fearful. My birds love to fly and I love that they love to fly. They are birds, they are supposed to fly. Their whole physiology is geared toward flight: their brains, musculature, skeleton, feathers- everything! I believe it is cruel to take this innate gift away from them and treat them like a cat or a dog.

You guys are cracking me up! Brutus has so far--knock on wood-- avoided bodily function noises, although he does furniture squeaks, and he doesn't swear. I guess I don't really either, but I am thankful for no burps or fart noises. I would be really embarrassed if he did make those noises in the presence of others.

This painful thing has never happened to me as Brutus gives CLEAR signals about when he is accessible. Blowing and jiggling can reset his frame of mind and are things you can do.

The only thing Brutus freaks out about is something unexpected in his food bowl. It usually takes a little coaxing to get him over it.

Brutus doesn't go to bed until 9pm. I have the TV on after that, for about an hour, but it doesn't bother him. He remains quiet in the morning until he is uncovered, sometimes 9am, at the latest. He NEVER naps during the day. Greys are from Equatorial Africa and get 12 hours of day and night with little deviance, so 12 hours IS the right amount of sleep. They have evolved where there is abundant sunshine and daylight, and it is better that we try to replicate that, as well, because you can't change how they have evolved without detrimental effects. So, Brutus gets 12 hours of sleep and a trip out into the sunshine most days, and he is the better for it.

I wish I had something to add, but Brutus doesn't care about my slippers one way or the other.

Brutus never sleeps except at night in his cage, after I leave. I have NEVER seen him with his eyes closed or with his head tucked in his wing. This evening he had his head tucked in his wing and his eyes were blinking heavily. He has NEVER done this before. I am a little worried that he may be sick or something. Do your greys routinely sleep during the day or evening-- at any other times than bedtime?

Kitt4kaz, That was my question also, and I think, an important one. My Brutus is rarely clingy. He like to be in the same room or nearby in another room, but close by. He reaches for me at odd times, but mostly at night, and sometimes in the morning.

I have a video camera on a short tripod, so I can press on and not hold it. I sure hope you figure it out because we NEED to see this!

Nancy, Thank you so much! I wonder how I will get through, but I am trying. You must know how much your words and experience mean to me. Thank you.

Is he getting better about barbering his chest?

Thanks Katana, I feel better today. And yes, there is NO WAY I am giving up my birds! I love them and they love me. I was just in a bad place yesterday. My husband and I had been together for 22 years. You think you know someone after all that time, well it is plain to see that i didn't know him. Thank you for your support.

I appreciate your support Judy!

Your words made me cry Penny. I will reread them anytime I feel I need a boost. I deeply thank you for your care and concern.